Reports from major news outlets and local media coverage of protests.

Georgia's 3.5 Million Voters Choose Between Europe and Russia in Pivotal Parliamentary Election

Oct 26, 2024, 05:57 AM

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Georgia holds pivotal parliamentary elections that could determine the country's future alignment with either the European Union or Russia. With approximately 3.5 million eligible voters, the election sees the ruling Georgian Dream party, led by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, facing a coalition of pro-European opposition parties. This election is the first to use a fully proportional voting system, and polls are open from 8 AM to 8 PM local time. By 12 PM, turnout had reached 22.2%, increasing to 41.6% by 3 PM. The vote is widely regarded as the most significant since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, with concerns over democratic values, political freedoms, and potential autocracy if the ruling party retains power. International election observers are on the ground amid fears of electoral fraud and possible post-election protests. The outcome will be crucial in determining whether Georgia moves closer to European integration or aligns more with Russia.